SHABA 👣

A bronzed Gnu stands still like a statue, his eye glinting a golden hue from the late sun settling on the distant horizon behind him.

The blue wildebeest remains one of the most abundant big-game species, with some populations performing an annual migration to new grazing grounds over many hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometers or miles. However, finding one during our African safari trip was not easy, as we were based in particularly rough terrain in the middle of Kruger. For grazing and safety, wildebeests, or "Gnus" (as I call them), prefer the savannah flatlands.

So it was by some luck that, while we were on our way to a recent leopard sighting, we came across this beauty with a small group nearby on the hillside. I was taken with the textured yet bronzy reflections of the dapper sun that was slowly sinking in the background, leaving a golden effect of light on this lovely specimen. For this reason I called him Shaba, which means "bronze" in Swahili. While framing my shots in the short time we had, he remained quietly intent on his surroundings, snorting on occasion. They were probably aware of some predatory movement ahead (where we were going) and remained quietly vigilant as we drove off to track the leopard.

RAW AFRICA COLLECTION

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.